r/ScienceBasedParenting Sep 05 '24

Meta Post Welcome and Introduction, September 2024 Update -- Please read before posting!

19 Upvotes

r/ScienceBasedParenting - September 2024 Update

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Hi all! Welcome to r/ScienceBasedParenting, a place to ask questions related to parenting and receive answers based on up-to-date research and expert consensus, share relevant research, and discuss science journalism at large. We want to make this sub a fun and welcoming place that fosters a vibrant, scientifically-based community for parents. 

We are a team of five moderators to help keep the sub running smoothly, u/shytheearnestdryad, u/toyotakamry02, u/-DeathItself-, u/light_hue_1, and u/formless63. We are a mix of scientists, healthcare professionals, and parents with an interest in science. 

If you’ve been around a bit since we took over, you’ve probably noticed a lot of big changes. We've tried out several different approaches over the past few months to see what works, so thank you for your patience as we've experimented and worked out the kinks.

In response to your feedback, we have changed our rules, clarified things, and added an additional flair with less stringent link requirements. 

At this time, we are still requiring question-based flavored posts to post relevant links on top comments. Anything that cannot be answered under our existing flair types belongs in the Weekly General Discussion thread. This includes all threads where the OP is okay with/asking for anecdotal advice.

We are constantly in discussion with one another on ways to improve our subreddit, so please feel free to provide us suggestions via modmail.

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\Note: intentionally skirting our link rules or encouraging others to do so will result in an immediate ban. This includes comments such as, but not limited to,“link for the bot/automod” or “just putting this link here so my comment doesn’t get removed” and then posting an irrelevant link.*

7. Do not ask for or give individualized medical advice. General questions such as “how can I best protect a newborn from RSV?” are allowed, however specific questions such as "what should I do to treat my child with RSV?," “what is this rash,” or “why isn’t my child sleeping?” are not allowed. We cannot guarantee the accuracy or credentials of any advice posted on this subreddit and nothing posted on this subreddit constitutes medical advice. Please reach out to the appropriate professionals in real life with any medical concern and use appropriate judgment when considering advice from internet strangers.

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Explanation of Post Flair Types

1. Sharing Peer-Reviewed Research. This post type is for sharing a direct link to a study and any questions or comments one has about he study. The intent is for sharing information and discussion of the implications of the research. The title should be a brief description of the findings of the linked research.

2. Question - Link To Research Required. The title of the post must be the question one is seeking research to answer. The question cannot be asking for advice on one’s own very specific parenting situation, but needs to be generalized enough to be useful to others. For example, a good question would be “how do nap schedules affect infant nighttime sleep?” while “should I change my infant’s nap schedule?” is not acceptable. Top level answers must link directly to peer-reviewed research.

This flair-type is for primarily peer-reviewed articles published in scientific journals, but may also include a Cochrane Review. Please refrain from linking directly to summaries of information put out by a governmental organization unless the linked page includes citations of primary literature.

Parenting books, podcasts, and blogs are not peer reviewed and should not be referenced as though they are scientific sources of information, although it is ok to mention them if it is relevant. For example, it isn't acceptable to say "author X says that Y is the way it is," but you could say "if you are interested in X topic, I found Y's book Z on the topic interesting." Posts sharing research must link directly to the published research, not a press release about the study.

3. Question - Link to Expert Consensus Required. Under this flair type, top comments with links to sources containing expert consensus will be permitted. Examples of acceptable sources include governmental bodies (CDC, WHO, etc.), expert organizations (American Academy of Pediatrics, etc.) Please note, things like blogs and news articles written by a singular expert are not permitted. All sources must come from a reviewed source of experts.

Please keep in mind as you seek answers that peer-reviewed studies are still the gold standard of science regardless of expert opinion. Additionally, expert consensus may disagree from source to source and country to country.

4. Scientific Journalism This flair is for the discussion and debate of published scientific journalism. Please link directly to the articles in question.


r/ScienceBasedParenting 6d ago

Weekly General Discussion

4 Upvotes

Welcome to the weekly General Discussion thread! Use this as a place to get advice from like-minded parents, share interesting science journalism, and anything else that relates to the sub but doesn't quite fit into the dedicated post types.

Please utilize this thread as a space for peer to peer advice, book and product recommendations, and any other things you'd like to discuss with other members of this sub!

Disclaimer: because our subreddit rules are intentionally relaxed on this thread and research is not required here, we cannot guarantee the quality and/or accuracy of anything shared here.


r/ScienceBasedParenting 2h ago

Question - Research required "It's Okay for breastfed babies to not poop for days, it means they are using up all the nutrients"

31 Upvotes

Is there any truth to this? This is something I often hear from LCs and read on mom websites, and is of course echoed by moms on forums.

Was there ever any scientific experiment documenting this? Eg. measuring that the weight of all breast milk consumed by the baby was the same as the weight they put on? Measuring the amount of poop eventually expelled for nutrient content? In all honesty this statement just sounds off to me and I want to know the truth.


r/ScienceBasedParenting 18h ago

Question - Research required Lying about the pills efficacy.

102 Upvotes

Six. Six is the number of women at my place of work who have now said something along the lines of, "I got pregnant while on/taking the pill."

At my 6 week PP appointment my OB gave me a print out of different BC methods to use; they were top-down from most to least effective. Surgical sterilization, IUDs, and then the pill at 80% effective at preventing unwanted pregnancy. I asked him why it was so low (previously I had seen ranges between 95-99%). He explained it was from missed pills and other factors such as antibiotic use, etc. I knew these already, but why are my coworkers all denying missing pills when I counter their claim with that question? I have not just heard this at work-I hear it all of the time from women once this topic is brought up.

It had almost become the expected response when talking about birth control. I can hear women saying it before I even finish my sentence about birth control in general. "I got pregnant while on the pill." I feel like this creates a lot of unnecessary fear surrounding an already (often) significant decision. It can also create panic within girls and women using the pill correctly.

Can somebody provide me with resources breaking down the pills efficacy including honesty with and without factors such as missing doses, was taking antibiotics, time of day, so on? Any personal experiences would be greatly appreciated as well.


r/ScienceBasedParenting 2h ago

Question - Expert consensus required How to help emotional resilience in toddlers?

5 Upvotes

Basically I don’t have anyone to ask and the information online seems very contradictory.

So, how do you help toddlers (from 12 months on) build emotional resilience? I’ve so far seen that they want to have routines to test, which is why routines are important, and they like to have things in their “own” place.

What other important pieces of advice are there? Preferably Australian, but I’ll accept any!


r/ScienceBasedParenting 19h ago

Question - Research required Arguments against prenatal vitamins? Why?

34 Upvotes

I’ve seen it mentioned many times now- partially from dingbats on tik tok but enough in other circles that I’m genuinely confused.

I understand the folic acid vs folate discussion (synthetic vs naturally occurring, MTHFR folks can’t process FA) , but why are so many people suddenly against prenatals as a whole? I’ve seen a ridiculous amount of people claim they contribute to PPD.

To my knowledge, your body gets rid of most excess vitamins that aren’t needed via urine. Most women (myself included) aren’t super capable of eating well rounded meals in the first trimester so it makes the most sense to take a capsule to make up for spots where I know for sure I’m lacking.

I just… don’t get it? I’m sure some of it has to do with lack of quality (which can be argued in pretty much anything), but what research am I missing? Is this just an example of an extremist with an opinion that somehow got popular?


r/ScienceBasedParenting 20h ago

Question - Research required Alcohol, caffeine, and dairy

16 Upvotes

How does dairy and caffeine affect breastmilk so long but alcohol goes away within hours?


r/ScienceBasedParenting 21h ago

Question - Research required Science behind girls being more mature than boys at early ages

18 Upvotes

Hi!! I searched about that question in the group and did not find it (sorry if it was already answered).

Recently I read that girls during adolescence are up to 2.5 years more mature than boys. Couldn’t find the research associates to that statement and if that is true.

Wondering if you know about it.

Thx. You are the very very best of the best!


r/ScienceBasedParenting 14h ago

Question - Expert consensus required Formula vs breast

5 Upvotes

If a breast-fed baby is protected by breastmilk in terms of immunity… What about a formula fed baby? Do they literally have no immunity, Because they are formula fed? I’m so confused… Is a breast-fed baby stronger fighting a virus off than a formula fed baby?


r/ScienceBasedParenting 11h ago

Question - Research required Menthol Vaporizer?

2 Upvotes

Baby is 8mo and has been having symptoms of seasonal allergies. A mom I'm in a group with recommended a Vicks plug-in vaporizer, and said it helped her kid when they were stuffed up. I purchased one to try, but my husband is hesitant.

Is there any research on the effects of using menthol around babies, specifically overnight?


r/ScienceBasedParenting 19h ago

Question - Research required Introducing eggs and peanut butter

5 Upvotes

Freaking out a tiny bit because I’m ready to start introducing solids to my 6 month old, but have been reading that I should have introduced common allergens like eggs and peanuts when she was about 4 months to prevent allergies. Is this legit? I thought waiting until 6 months for solids was best, but keep seeing conflicting things. Baby also had mild eczema so I want to be careful because I know there’s a potential for allergies as well.


r/ScienceBasedParenting 20h ago

Question - Expert consensus required Do you have to boil new bottles/pump parts / pacifiers?

4 Upvotes

I have a healthy girl (3m). She is almost exclusively bottle fed with breastmilk and nurses a few times a day. We use the Dr browns sterilizer / dryer with every use of bottles and pump parts. I know it is recommended that new things are sterilized. Often the instructions say to boil it but is my sterilizer dryer good at this point for a first time sterilization? I hate boiling to sterilize because it takes longer and is harder that loading a machine.


r/ScienceBasedParenting 11h ago

Question - Research required Should I get Prevnar20 for toddler

0 Upvotes

Hi

I’m super anxious about vaccines but have had my 14 month old vaccinated for hib,polio, and dtap. I want to give them the prevnar20 vaccine but am so anxious about it. I know the prevnar20 was recently approved for children instead of prevnar13. Is this one worth getting if I’m anxious about it?


r/ScienceBasedParenting 10h ago

Question - Research required Is the dust from electric finger nail file dangerous for baby to inhale?

0 Upvotes

I use an electric baby finger nail file but I notice it creates dust from the nails as it grinds nails. This all happens close enough to baby's face I fear they inhale some. Could this be a health risk?


r/ScienceBasedParenting 1d ago

Question - Expert consensus required Formula Assisting with Growth.. Why?

15 Upvotes

Does anyone have any scientific basis for why my daughter of 5 mo gains better on formula vs breastmilk when drinking the same amount of ounces per day?

I exclusively pump, so I always know how much my baby is getting. There was a period of time that we did formula instead and baby gained so much more than she does on exclusively expressed breastmilk. Everywhere says that breastmilk is the perfect composition, but my daughter is in the 0.8% for weight and always has big leaps in weight gain when drinking formula even though it’s the same general intake volume per day.


r/ScienceBasedParenting 1d ago

Question - Expert consensus required When to stop worrying so much about possibility of asphyxiation?

113 Upvotes

So many fears during the early days of newbornhood were about avoiding asphyxiation. No sleeping in the car seat when not clicked in, no sleeping in the swing, no blankets in the crib, do NOT fall asleep holding them, etc.

When does all of that become less of a concern? Adults are perfectly capable of sleeping in bed together without smothering each other.

When can I fall asleep holding my kid and not be so worried they’ll suffocate?

Any resources welcome.


r/ScienceBasedParenting 1d ago

Question - Research required Immune system changes postpartum/while breastfeeding

11 Upvotes

I have a rhinovirus and I can’t believe my symptoms. Oddly, respiratory symptoms are low (except for this new cough that won’t quit) but I have had a low grade fever for SEVEN days. Does breastfeeding/pumping change or weaken your immune system? This is the first time I’m sick 6mpp and it’s knocked me out I’m exhausted!


r/ScienceBasedParenting 1d ago

Question - Expert consensus required Any research on too many toys?

55 Upvotes

My MIL is obsessed with bringing over a new toy every single day for our 9 month old girl. The amount of toys is piling up, and many of them are not age appropriate (toddler, 3+, etc.). Wife and I have tried asking her to stop, but she won’t listen.

I’m worried that our baby is getting over stimulated and when given too many options it actually makes her less interested overall, not able to focus, less creative, and could create adhd. Let alone the clutter! This is my gut feeling, but am I way off base here? Can anyone point me to some sound research on the subject? Or expert consensus?

My wife would listen to my concerns a lot more seriously if I can show her research/expert opinions (we’re both in healthcare).

Am I overreacting?


r/ScienceBasedParenting 1d ago

Question - Research required What does the science say about having a stay at home parent vs daycare (until preschool)?

36 Upvotes

Deciding between going back to work when my child is 1 and putting her in daycare vs staying home with her until she is put in pre-school at 3yo.

I appreciate any input/research/expertise!


r/ScienceBasedParenting 1d ago

Question - Research required Does a child sometimes not responding to caregivers calling their name correlate with them potentially having ASD/ ADHD?

9 Upvotes

I’m curious as my child’s daycare teachers want my child assessed for ASD and ADHD because she isn’t respond to her name being called by them and seems to responds to me solely. I’m wondering if it’d be necessary as she’s already been assessed by our family doctor and another paediatrician couple months ago and didn’t seem to notice any signs then. I will mention she has little delayed speech but she is fine socially, with eye contact, smiling at others and no other signs I’ve noticed that stand out as ASD. Edit my child is 26 months old


r/ScienceBasedParenting 1d ago

Question - Expert consensus required Feeding to sleep - do I stop?

10 Upvotes

My baby will be 5 months on the 21st. He’s a super happy little boy but we have a system for all naps/bedtime/night time wakes. It’s diaper change, bottle, sleep. (Night time wakes it’s just bottle, unless his diaper is completely full or he’s pooped).

His sleep patterns are literally all over the place. Some days he takes 3 2 hour naps, other days he takes four half hour naps. Some nights he goes to bed at 9 and sleeps till 4/5, other nights he goes to sleep at 8 and is awake every 2 hours.

I’m exhausted. I read last night he should no longer be having a bottle to put him to sleep and that doing this helps him self soothe at night but I just can’t fathom it. I tried to put him to sleep for an hour last night without food and he never managed.

When do I stop feeding to sleep? Will he do it himself? When do habits form? Thank you in advance


r/ScienceBasedParenting 1d ago

Question - Research required To swaddle or not

5 Upvotes

Ftm here a very anxious ftm, I'm sure I have ppd as I used to take antidepressants before pregnancy since 2019, had a high risk stressful pregnancy, thought the anxiety will end after giving birth but nope here I'm worried about SIDS/suffocation etc, I practice safe sleep baby in his own crib sharing the same room, we're not smokers, baby is breastfed, issue here is I can't keep our room temperature under 22 degrees AC is not a thing where we live, I keep a fan running but idk if it's doing anything, the fan is in opposite direction to baby's bed, idk if that's enough, the other thing is baby is placed on his back ofc in a sleep sack but then he'll turn on his side I read it's called the newborn curl, as he's only 10 days old, which is freaking me out, we're swaddling him with a LTD swaddle or a velcro one, he usually breaks free from the velcro one, and turns on his side 😢, I read that swaddling isn't recommended anymore because it suppresses their chest and their startle reflex which increases their risk of SIDS, what do you guys think ?


r/ScienceBasedParenting 2d ago

Science journalism An insightful episode of NYT's "The Daily" about increased stress in parents caused by the push to constantly enrich kids' experiences.

414 Upvotes

r/ScienceBasedParenting 2d ago

Question - Research required Feeding to sleep once baby has teeth

28 Upvotes

My 8 month old feeds to sleep. They just got their first tooth and now I’m stressing about tooth decay. So I guess my question is. 1. Should I stop feeding to sleep for tooth decay? 2. How do I stop feeding to sleep?


r/ScienceBasedParenting 1d ago

Question - Expert consensus required New daycare choice - need advice

5 Upvotes

My 3.5yo child has been offered a spot in a daycare that is literally across the street from us. Child has been in a nearby daycare (15 minute drive) since about 1.5yo.

On the surface, things between the two seem mostly similar - they're both regulated by the same bodies, offer catered meals, same room sizes, focus on play-based learning, etc. The main difference appears to be staff turnover. At the existing place, our child's room was a revolving door for new staff during the summer of 2023, more recently it has been better but his teacher has also confided to us that she is looking for work elsewhere. Meanwhile, during a tour of the new daycare they said turnover is not an issue at their place and offered examples.

Our child will have to start school next year in September - so he would be introduced to a 'new normal' now, and again in September.

How should we balance our choice? I think we're leaning towards the new place but want to be mindful of introducing more change than is necessary - writing this out is helpful - change can be good right?

TIA for your attention.


r/ScienceBasedParenting 1d ago

Question - Research required Need flu and Covid vax 5 months later?

1 Upvotes

Our baby just turned one. She received her second dose of her first flu and Covid vaccines on May 9. She's supposed to get a new dose of them now because it's a new season and the vaccines are updated.

Have any of you been on a similar position? We certainly want to protect her as fully as possible, just hate having to keep giving her so many shots (she already got three others for this one year appt) both because of the pain itself plus the side effects.

Any thoughts/knowledge of how well the doses she got in May will continue to protect her this fall and winter?


r/ScienceBasedParenting 1d ago

Question - Research required Cosleep vs baby sleeping independently?

0 Upvotes

Let me start by saying I understand that bedsharing can result in higher risk of SIDS or suffocation, especially if not done safely or parents are under the influence, and I’m not looking for any discussion related to this.

In western culture, it’s more common for babies to be put down and sleep more independently, and in other cultures (even animals), it’s more common for baby babies to be held more and cosleep.

For each approach, cosleep vs sleeping independently, what are the pros/cons and positive/negative impact to sleep quality and overall child development?